by, Greg Hutchins

Washington, DC - Prior the start of the last night's game, I spent some time on the floor of the Verizon Center as the Knicks warmed up. With the team intent on securing a road victory, the players shot the ball extremely well in practice and that carried over into the game. Jamal Crawford assured me the Knicks would play well while teammates Wilson Chandler & Chris Duhon worked on their shot before tip-off. As for the game, the Knicks did not disappoint, improving their record to 3-2.

With strong contributions from Duhon (12 assists), Crawford (23 points), Zach Randolph (22 points, 13 rebounds), the Knicks defeated the Washington Wizards 114-08. Chandler, who got the start at PF, was strong with 17 points (8-12 shooting) in 29:50 of action. Nate Robinson continues to provide Mike D'Antoni with instant offense off the bench and added 17 points & 6 assists. Overall the Knicks had 36 assists on 46 baskets and when 13-for-32 from downtown to secure their first road victory.

The Wizards (0-4) were led by Caron Butler's 30 points. Rookie PF/C JaVale McGee became the next 2008 first round draft selection to show Donnie Walsh what he passed on. McGee missed two dunk attempts early, but played above the rim grabbing 10 rebounds and blocking 2 shots while chipping in 12 points. Rookie Danilo Gallinari looked particularly spry in pre-game warm-ups, but received his third straight DNP-CD. Coach D'Antoni's decision to sit Gallinari until he's completely ready for game action has led many to question if the lottery pick will see any significant time this season.

A significant number of Knicks fans were in attendance at Verizon Center. While sitting courtside, I spoke with two fans from Poughkeepsie & The Bronx who noticed some of the sideline drama on the Knicks bench. During a 4th quarter run, Nate Robinson was pulled for Quentin Richardson. Upon returning to the bench, Robinson was greeted by all his teammates except Marbury. Marbury, sitting next to Jerome James on the end of the bench seemed more interested in sharing laughs with "Big Snacks" all night than encouraging his teammates. It's time Donnie Walsh either release the former All-Star or package him in a trade. If D'Antoni is truly trying to change the culture of this team, both Marbury & James have to go.